Unveiling the Drivers of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in China: A Comprehensive Ecological Study

Overview

Journal Infect Med (Beijing)

Date 2025 Feb 6

PMID 39911600

Authors

Jiongjiong Wang

Xiaoying Li

Xinying Du

Huiqun Jia

Hui Chen

Jian Wu

Guangcai Duan

Haiyan Yang

Ligui Wang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) are now considered a global public health issue. In this study, we explored the relationship between vancomycin resistance incidence and various demographic and climatic factors.

Methods: This retrospective study was performed between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2021. Data covering the consumption of vancomycin, the prevalence of vancomycin resistance, and relevant demographics were collected. Spearman's rank correlation, beta regression, and spatial statistical analysis were performed using R version 4.2.2 and ArcGIS version 10.7.

Results: Spearman's rank correlation described the positive relation between vancomycin consumption and the prevalence of vancomycin resistant (VRE). Multiple regression analysis showed that vancomycin consumption, rural population, proportion of population aged ≥65, annual temperature, and bed number in medical institutions per thousand people were significantly correlated with VRE prevalence ( = 56.22, < 0.001; = 0.0002, < 0.001; = 0.06, < 0.001; = -0.07, < 0.001; and = -0.37, < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: Vancomycin utilization was the predominant factor contributing to VRE resistance; the effects of rural populations and the proportion of the population aged ≥ 65 were significant but relatively minimal. Annual temperature and the number of beds in medical institutions per thousand people were protective factors against VRE.

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